Demarre Carroll nearing a return from injury

DeMarre Carroll’s season debut seems to have moved from looming to imminent, likely as soon as Friday in Denver.

“Hopeful is a good word,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said of Carroll making his return against the Nuggets. “I know he just had a good workout, so I’m hopeful he can play on Friday.”

After having arthroscopic surgery Oct. 16 on his right ankle, Carroll returned to practice Monday and was upgraded to doubtful before ending up a scratch for Tuesday’s 104-82 victory over the Suns. The Nets don’t play again until Friday, and his return would give them a huge lift.

“Defense has been his forte, that’s been his role in this league. And then obviously his shooting — he’s a really good spot-up shooter. Also end of games, he makes big plays, he makes big shots,” Atkinson said. “But I’d really like to see him give us a boost defensively. And he gives us versatility, right? He can play two, three and four, and that type of player in this league is very important now.”